The Kodiak Owners and Pilots Society (KOPS) is a new independent organisation dedicated to fostering community, safety and passion among owners and pilots of the versatile Kodiak turboprop aircraft. It launched following its inaugural autumn 2025 Fly-Out and Convention at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Texas.

Held 3-5 October, the event marked a milestone in aviation history as the largest non-fleet gathering of Kodiaks in the aircraft's 18-year legacy, with 11 Kodiaks arriving on the ranch's private 6,000-ft airstrip and dozens more owners and enthusiasts in attendance.

Nestled across 13,000 acres of Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch provided an ideal setting for a weekend of flying, fellowship and luxury. Attendees participated in a spot-landing contest designed to promote safety and proficiency, owner maintenance clinics and expert walk-arounds of the aircraft. Evenings featured gourmet dining showcasing locally sourced cuisine, while guests also enjoyed family-friendly activities including horseback riding, ATV excursions and spa treatments.

Adding to the excitement, Gunwerks, the world's premier long-range rifle maker, staged live demos of its precision firearms, blending aviation and outdoor pursuits in a way that distinguished the event from traditional owner gatherings. Open on a first-come, first-served basis, the event sold out quickly, filling the resort to near capacity and underscoring the community's enthusiasm for a dedicated organisation like KOPS.

Founded by three passionate Kodiak advocates, KOPS aims to elevate ownership through events, education and advocacy for the growing global fleet of approximately 360 Kodiaks. Mark Brown, owner of 11 Aviation and the highest-time Kodiak pilot with over 8,000 flight hours, leads training and operational initiatives. John Hunt, a 30-year aviation veteran and former vice president of sales for the Kodiak OEM, brings deep industry expertise and manufacturer insight. Brett Ekblom, a Kodiak owner for three years who uses his aircraft extensively for both family travel and business, offers a practical owner's perspective.

Further cementing its status as the first and only Kodiak owners group, KOPS has been accepted into the NBAA Owner-Pilot Association Coalition (OPAC), joining an elite alliance of owner-pilot organisations.

“This inaugural event exceeded all expectations and truly captured the spirit of what makes the Kodiak community so special,” says Mark Brown, KOPS co-founder. “Seeing 11 Kodiaks lined up on that airstrip, with owners sharing stories and skills through contests and clinics, was a testament to the aircraft's enduring appeal. We're just getting started. KOPS is poised for tremendous growth, and we're excited to spread this passion worldwide.”

John Hunt, KOPS co-founder, adds: “The Kodiak has a truly unique DNA, and this exceptional community of owners deserves a home built on the same principles as the aircraft itself; one built to do good. When we first introduced KOPS to fellow owners at Oshkosh just 74 days ago, the enthusiasm was immediate. This weekend's public launch and historic turnout confirm what we knew then; the Kodiak community was ready for something built by owners, for owners.”

The event's success was supported by foundational sponsors including JL Bar Ranch, 11 Aviation, Broadie's Aircraft, Central Flying Service/American Kodiak, Flightline Group, Travers Insurance, Mid-Continent Instruments & Avionics/True Blue Power, CAMP Systems, Hartzell Propeller and the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF). Their contributions helped deliver a premium experience, from catered breakfasts to a finale dinner honouring the Kodiak's legacy.

Looking ahead, KOPS plans to expand sustainably with enhanced training programmes, insurance partnerships and ownership resources that preserve aircraft value. With the Kodiak's reputation for rugged reliability and versatility attracting pilots from recreational to commercial sectors, KOPS stands poised to become a cornerstone of the global Kodiak community.